Motor Vehicle Claims Mostly Costly Type of Workplace Injury $46,033

The average cost of an occupational injury in 2004- 2005 by type of claim is $46,033 for motor vehicle claims. Most workers’ compensation cost containment programs focus on “workplace” safety, but some overlook a “vehicle” as a workplace. There are pre-loss and post-loss mitigation strategies a company can utilize to reduce those costs including:

1- Screen employees for safe driving records and don’t allow anyone with any serious offenses to drive on company business.
2- Use/offer the safest (not the cheapest) vehicles as company cars and require use of seat belts, which almost goes without saying, but sometimes those things need to be mentioned and included in policies.
3- Require safe driving courses and refreshers.
4- Have strict policies on how a company-provided car is driven such as no use of alcohol, eating while driving, use of cell phones or PDAs, or other distractions. Strict disciplinary action for violation of the policy.
5- Easy to reach and easy to read accident documentation in the event of an accident. Keep contact numbers on the visor or in the dash.
6- Provide “on-star” type road service and/or cell phone as safety equipment in case of an accident or breakdown.
7- Require return to work when an employee is medically able to do so is a must for this and every workers’ comp claim.
8- Closely manage the post injury process where the employee receive rapid medical care to hasten recovery and return to pre-injury condition.
9- Consider outsourcing deliveries and other activities done in a vehicle.

These are a few ideas to help control the cost of motor vehicle claims.

For more cost-saving tips go to WC Cost Reduction Tips.
Show the REAL cost of workers’ comp with the Real Cost Calculator.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws are different. Consult with your corporate legal counsel before implementing any cost containment programs.